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Graduation and Commencement Policies

Policies, Procedures and Requirements for Graduation and Commencement.

Graduation

Graduation. The process of verifying that degree requirements are met and posting the degree to the student record is called graduation. This takes place in the Office of the Registrar in the days following the conclusion of each term as professors report final grades. The Bachelor of Arts degree is posted for those students who have applied to graduate and who have met all degree requirements.

Application for Graduation. The application form must be ﬁled electronically through Arches at least one term before the term of graduation. Rising seniors are sent multiple reminders during starting in the summer prior to thier senior year. A $50.00 fee is charged at the time a student applies to graduate on-line through Arches. Only students who have applied to graduate are eligible to participate in the commencement ceremony and receive their degree. All students will be charged a graduation and commencement fee regardless of their attendance at the ceremony. This fee includes:

Complimentary manual graduation audit check (sent to student mailbox at time of application)

Cap, gown and tassel (for pick up on Senior Days)

Diploma covers presented at the ceremony (covers only provided to those attending the ceremony. Covers available for purchase for $35 in the Office of the Registrar for those not in attendance.)

An official commencement ceremony program

Official diploma noting the degree earned

United States Postal Service postage for mailing of diplomas (diplomas are sent to graduates approximately four-six weeks after the annual ceremony or may be picked up in person at an earlier date if requested.)

A complimentary final official transcript provided with the diploma showing degree awarded and any major(s)/minor(s) earned

Free transcript requesting through Arches for 30 days following graduation

Graduation Honors. The honors standards for the college have been set by the faculty as follows:

Cum Laude 3.500, Magna Cum Laude 3.750, Summa Cum Laude 3.900

The honors listed in the spring commencement program will reflect the grade point average at the conclusion of winter term (the college does not round the gpa.) Final honors will be posted to the student record after the final grades are posted. Students will see their honors on their final transcript.

Candidates with incomplete requirements. Students who do not complete the degree requirements for the term they applied will be removed from the list once grades are posted and will be notified by email to their Augustana email account. Seniors with Incomplete (I) or In-Progress (IP) grades will not graduate and must apply for a future term. In accordance with auditor requirements and our governing body, students who were awarded prior approval to complete requirements away must have all official transcripts received in the Office of the Registrar and posted to the record by the published graduation date. It is the responsibility of the student to complete all degree requirements and reapply for a future term by the published deadlines. A diploma replacement fee of $35 will be charged to the student account to order a new diploma.

Commencement

Commencement. The ceremony celebrating the accomplishments of all our graduating students is known as Commencement. Augustana holds one annual ceremony in May. For information about the current year, visit the Commencement webpage. While the majority of students participating in the ceremony will be spring graduates, some students participating in Commencement will have graduated during a previous term or will graduate during a future term.

Participation in Commencement. Any student who has earned at least 100 credits and who has applied for spring, summer or fall graduation or who previously graduated during fall or winter of the academic year in which the ceremony is held, may participate Commencement. Commencement is the culminating event for you and your family, and it is expected that you will participate in the ceremony. If you need to be excused, please contact the Office of the Registrar.

Commencement Preparation. Seniors should watch their email for information about applying to graduate, the commencement ceremony and Senior Days. Additional information is on the Commencement webpage.

Diplomas

Receiving the diploma. Candidates are presented a diploma cover at commencement. Students who have completed all degree requirements, should expect their diploma in the mail within about a month. Students with outstanding requirements will receive their diploma after the term in which their requirements are completed. Students not participating in the ceremony may purchase a cover following the ceremony for $35 (plus shipping) from the Office of the Registrar. Note: Diplomas will not be available for those with an outstanding balance in the business office.

Diplomas. The Augustana College diploma will note the student's name as it was submitted on their graduation application, the degree (Bachelor of Arts), any honors received and signatures of the College President and the Chair of the Board of Trustees. The diploma is a symbol of the academic accomplishment, but it is not a legal document. The legal document is the official transcript which will lists a student's major(s), minor(s) and the degree and degree date.

Transcripts

Requesting a Transcript. Students will be mailed a complimentary final transcript with their diploma. Students needing a final official transcript sent should wait until the Thursday after graduation if they wish the final grades and degree to be noted on the transcript. Seniors will have their Augustana Arches account remain active for approximately one month. During this time, transcript requests may be made for no fee. After this time, alumni will be charged the regular fees for ordering transcripts.

Final Record. Once a student earns a degree, the record is considered final. Grades changes and enrollment adjustments will not be made unless a clerical error has occurred. No further transfer work may be posted to the record after the degree is complete.

NOTE:The audit and reviews are provided only as planning aids. It is the responsibility of the student to report any printed error to the Office of the Registrar within the published policy deadlines. The responsibility for understanding and meeting degree requirements rests entirely with the student.